WE ARE EXPLORING THE PRACTICE
OF STILLNESS
Step 5 of
InterSpiritual Meditation: "May I Be Focused and Mindful Through Breathing”
Calm, steady, and focused breathing are at the
heart of many secular and spiritual techniques of meditation. When we breathe
properly, we become less stressed and distracted; we are able to think more
clearly, and to focus on the task at hand. Our blood-pressure drops, and our
anxiety disappears. Many spiritual traditions teach deep and profound methods
of breathing that balance our energies and center our consciousness deep within
our being, where we are able to concentrate on our spiritual practice. In this
step, we allow our consciousness to recede from our eyes, ears, nose, tongue,
touch, thoughts, and emotions. As we breathe gently, our consciousness rides on
the subtle breath into our heart center. This is the place that many traditions
call ‘the seat of the soul,’ the core of our consciousness. Residing there, we
may begin our own respective meditations, contemplations, and prayers. In this
process, we learn to develop the capacity of ‘mindfulness’ and to observe our
innermost thoughts, emotions, habits, and memories.
Everybody has
a unique rhythm of breathing. When I
focus on my breathing, I like to begin with the exhale, the emptying, the
letting go, the release, the surrender.
I say: “Breathe deeply.” Then,
the inhale becomes a powerful, creative, inspiring, illuminating, divine source
of love and abundance. I say: Breathe
fully.”
Breathe deeply.
Breathe fully.
Be still. Be
silent.
Be centered. Be
grounded.
Lighten up. Loosen
up.
Let go. Let God.
Celebrate. Enjoy.
Be glad all over.
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